Recognized as the
largest WCO capacity building event, the WCO AEO Global Conference boasts the
largest number of workshops held during an event, covering a variety of topics
related to the security and facilitation of the global trade supply chain. The conference
is organized by the WCO once every two years in partnership with a host Customs
administration and provides a key platform for all players who have an interest
in international trade.

It is interesting to note that when the first
conference was held in 2012, there were 45 AEO programmes in the world, and
this number had increased to 77 in 2017, with many more under development. The
number of MRAs concluded in 2012 was 17, and this number had risen to 49 in
2017. In 2012, 30 MRAs were under negotiation, and this number had increased to
46 in 2017, of which are multilateral negotiations. Between 2012 and 2017,
the percentage increase in the number of concluded MRAs is 188%, while the
number of AEO programmes has increased by 71% and the number of signed MRAs by
23%.

The 4 Global AEO
Conference provides unique opportunity for all those interested to examine
challenges of today and opportunities ahead of AEO on national, regional and
global level.

The Global AEO
Conference, aimed at Customs administrations, the business community,
government and multilateral policymakers, and legal and academic
representatives, focuses on the successes and challenges of Customs and the
private sector in implementing AEO programmes. The event is expected to enhance
cooperation, while building capacity, in order to foster a global
public-private dialogue.

The Global AEO
Conference will be hosted by the Uganda Revenue Authority in Kampala, Uganda
from 14 to 16 March 2018, with the theme “Promoting Mutual Recognition of AEOs
to Strengthen and Secure Global Trade.” This will be the 4th WCO region to host
the event since its inception with the support from the Korea Customs Service.

This conference
will showcase AEO programmes and MRAs that have been successfully implemented.
It will also focus on how MRAs can further secure global trade, while
continuing to address the opportunities and challenges surrounding AEO/MRA
issues. Delegates who attend the conference will have an opportunity to:

•participate in a large number of workshops,
addressing a variety of international trade issues from different perspectives;

•watch interesting live
demonstrations, focusing on operational practices directly related to international
trade;

•contribute to the future development
of the SAFE Framework, ensuring that it remains an up-to-date and relevant’
document;

•witness the possible signing of a
few more MRAs between African partners, encouraging other countries around the
world to follow the same route.

The WCO would like
to invite you to join us in Uganda at the 4th Global AEO Conference, where
participants will have the opportunity to experience African hospitality, and
take in the splendour of the country, known as the ‘Pearl of Africa,’ as well
as the allure of the African continent and its world-renowned wildlife.
Everyone is welcome at this upcoming global event. Please direct any enquiries
to the email at the end of this article.

Why attend:

LEARN about successful
implementation of AEO and MRA across the world and to look ahead to future
developments in conditions of challenging and competitive global trading
system.

Hear from leading
experts on relevant WCO tools and instruments and new opportunities for
enchasing cross-border cooperation in this area.

UNDERSTAND the current
international trade challenges, in the context of increased security
requirements and discuss how law enforcement instruments and tools could be
efficiently implemented in a manner that does not undermine the ongoing trade
facilitation efforts.

Extensive
Conference program will facilitate discussions on inter-agency collaboration
and recognition of the validated traders for expediting border-crossing
procedures applicable by different border enforcement agencies.

NETWORK with an outstanding array
of international experts from Government, Customs, Business community, high
level academics and practitioners who will share their expertise and promote
good practises on AEO and MRA.

Participants are
invited to exchange their view on challenges of today and opportunities ahead
of AEO on national, regional and global level as well as to contribute to
further consolidation of joint efforts.